The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1887-07-14
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We arc no, Of thas M dhas prove lie ccarses
Of President OlsvelAsd ID decliling 70 - e 81
IIouia five werovs would boone Of ne small
who would have hin fisk cowardly
insult to the dignity q bis Official position. His
letter 10 like everything nom his pen. finished
production-alike excellent in sentiment and
diction:
Executive MANSION.
WASHINGTON, July 4.
Hon. e. Franeis. Mayr and CAojs1son:
MY DEAR SR-When received the extreme
ly cordial and gratifying invitation from the citi-
zens sfSt. Louis, rendered by . number Of her
representative men, to visit that city during the
National Eucampment OF the drand army Oh
the Republic. had been contemplating for some
time the accantance of an invitation from that
organisation to the same effect, and had consid-
cred the pleasure il would afford me- If It should
be possible to meet not only the members OF the
Grand Army Of the Republic bat the people Of
st. Louis and other citeis In the West which the
occasion would give me the opportunity to visit
The exaclions of my public duties are 90 uncer-
tain. however. that when first confronted by the
delegation, of which you were the head, ex.
pected to do no more at that time than 10 promise
The consideration of the double question rendered
me and express the pleasure it would give me to
accept the same thereafter If possible. But the
courtesy and sincerity of those present, reinforced
by the heartiness of the good people who sur.
rounded you, 81 impressed me that could not
resist the feeling which prompted us to assure
you, on the spot that would be with You and
The Grand Army of the Republic, at the time
designated, il nothing happened in the meantime
10 absolutely prevent my leaving Washington.
Immediately upon the public announcement
of this conclusion, expressions emanating from
certain important members OF the Grand Army
of the Republic aud the increasing virulence in
duced me to review my acceptance of these In
vitatons. The expressions referred to 60 TO the
extent of declaring that would be an unwel-
come guest at the time and place OF the encamp-
ment. This statement is based, as we'll as l can
Judge, upon certain official acts of mine involving
important public interests, done under the
restraint and obligations of my oath OF office,
which did not appear to agree with the wishes
of some members of the Grand Army of the Re-
public. refuse to believe that this organization,
founded upon patriotic ideas, composed very
largely of men entitled TO lasting honor and con
sideration, and whose GROWING glory 1t should
be that they are American citizens as we'll as
veteran soldiers deems it part of its mission TO
compass any object or purpose by attempting to
intimidate the Executive and to coerce those
the expressions to which have referred indicate
such prevalence of unfriendly feeling and such
a menace to the occasion, which should be har-
monious, peaceful and cordial, that they cannot
be ignored.
beg you to understand that am not con-
scious of any act of mine which should make me
fear to meet the Grand Army Of the Republic Oh
any other assemblage of my fellow-citizens. The
account of my official stewardship Is always
ready for presentation to my countrymen.
should not be frank If failed to confess, while
disclaiming all resentment, that l have been
hurt by the unworthy and wanton attacks upon
me, growing out of the matter and the reckless
manner in which my actions and motives
have been misrepresented, both publicly
and privately, for which, however, the
Grand Army of the Republic as a body is by nc
means responsible Threats Of personal violence
and harm, in case l undertake the trip Ia ques
tOn which scores OF misguided, unbalanced men
under the stimulation oil excited feeling, have
made, are not even considered. Rather thar
abandon my visit to the West and disappoin'
your citizens, might, ii alone were concerned
submit 10 the insult to which it is quite openly
asserted l would be helplessly subjected to i
present at the encampment But should beal
with me there the peoples highest office, thu
dignity of which l must protect, and believe
that neither the Grand Army of the Republic, a
An organization, nor anything like majority o
lous attack upon it. II, however, among thu
membership of this body there are some, as Ger
iainly seems to be the case, determined to de
nounce me and my official acts at the NatiOna
encampment, believe they should be permitted
to do SO unrestrained by my presence as a CUES
OF their organization. or of your hospitable cit.
in which their meeting is held. A number o
Grand Army Pests have signified their intention
am informed to remain away y a fha she Sc
Without considering he merit Of such an excus
feel that ought not to be the cause of sucl
| non-attendance. The time and place of the en-
| campment were fixed long before my invitation
were received. Those desiring to participate il
its proceedings should be Arst reported and moth
| ing should be permitted to interfere with thei
intention.
Another consideration of more importance
| than all others remains TO be noticed. The fac
referred TO by you when you verbally presented
the invitation of the citizens of st. Louis, tina
| the coming encampment of the Grand Army o
the Republic would be held in a Southern State
supposed this fact was mentioned as q pleasing
indication of the fraterna feeling 80 fast GAINING
ground throughout the entire land and hailed b,
every patriotic citizen as an earnest that tn,
Union has really and in fact been saved in senti
ment and spirit with all the benefits it vouchsafe
to united people. l cannot rid myself of tn
belefthat the least dscord on this propitious &C
SeoSA ASessAN wv ~ Vs. VA VIZ
of common brotherhood which the Grand ARM
of the Republic has so great an opportunity Il
increase and foster Icertainly ought not to b.
the cause of such discord in any event or upel
any pretext. 1t seems to me that you, the citi
zens of ST. Louis, entitled to this unreservet
| statement of the conditions which have con
strained me to forego my contemplated visit ant
TO withdraw my acceptance of your invitation
My presence in your city at the time you nav,
indicated can be of but little moment compare,
with the importance of the cordial and harmo
NOUS entertainment of your other guests
assure you that abandon my plan withou
the least personal feeling except the regret, con
strained by sense of duty and actuated by de
sire to save any embarrassment TO the people o
St: Louis or their other guests, and with hear
full of grateful appreciation of the sincere ant
unaffected kindness of your citizens, hoping tn
encampment may be the occasion of much use
fulnesa, and that its proceedings may illustrate
the highest patriotism of American citizenship
am yours very sincerely,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Orlando Reporter.I
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